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A.1538 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1538
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: Shrublands included in this alliance are found on breaks and foothill, mountain and canyon slopes throughout much of the western U.S. Sites are variable but are generally xeric and rocky with moderate to very steep south-facing slopes. Soils are typically shallow and well-drained with abundant rock outcrops. Soil texture is variable. Vegetation included in this alliance is characterized by a sparse shrub layer 1-2 m tall dominated by ~Cercocarpus montanus$. Occasional trees, such as ~Juniperus deppeana, Pinus edulis, Quercus gambelii$, and ~Quercus grisea$, may be present. Associated shrubs and dwarf-shrubs include ~Agave parryi, Ageratina herbacea, Dasylirion wheeleri, Ericameria laricifolia, Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, Nolina microcarpa, Robinia neomexicana, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Yucca baccata$, and the shrubby cacti species ~Opuntia engelmannii$ and ~Opuntia imbricata$. The herbaceous layer is sparse to moderately dense and usually dominated by perennial grasses such as ~Muhlenbergia$ spp., ~Bothriochloa barbinodis, Bouteloua$ spp., ~Schizachyrium cirratum$, and ~Achnatherum lobatum (= Stipa lobata)$. Forbs may be diverse and include ~Artemisia$ spp., ~Eriogonum$ spp., ~Hedeoma plicata, Heliomeris$ spp., ~Mirabilis$ spp., and ~Viguiera dentata$. Diagnostic of this alliance is a relatively sparse shrub canopy (10-25% cover) dominated by ~Cercocarpus montanus$ and an abundant herbaceous layer dominated by perennial graminoids. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1298.A1538
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: V.A.7.N.g
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: CERCOCARPUS MONTANUS SHRUB HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1538
  Common: Mountain-mahogany Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Cercocarpus montanus Shrub Herbaceous Alliance